Long-time inpatient director retiring

Published: January 18, 2005 12:00AM

By NAOMI SNYDER
Staff Writer
WOOSTER Wooster Community Hospital will experience a changing of the guard of sorts, as inpatient services Director Mary Ann Bailey leaves next month, after 23 years with the hospital.
"Back when I was 17 or 18, I was given the choice of being a teacher or a nurse. I knew I didn't want to be a teacher, and I'm certainly very glad I did that," Bailey said.
"She leads with intelligence, strength and heart," said WCH marketing Director Carol Harris. "She's been a friend and mentor to many of us."
WCH Chief Executive Officer William Sheron agreed Bailey has shown exceptional leadership.
"Her commitment is outstanding," Sheron said. "This is a key position, in fact I would argue this is one of the most important female management positions in Wayne County."
Bailey said she has enjoyed her years of service with the hospital.
"I was hired to change the role of head nurses. Head nurses were still giving direct-patient care, and that needed to change," Bailey said.
In fact, changing the role of head nurses is one of the highlights in Bailey's career.
"Working them into a leadership role felt good," Bailey said.
Bailey nourished leadership skills through mentorship and stressing the importance of continuing education for her staff, according to Harris.
Bailey's plans for retirement include a trip to Alaska.
Loraine Lightfoot will assume Bailey's position on Feb. 23.
Lightfoot has started at the hospital so there can be a smooth transition, according to Sheron.
Lightfoot comes from 10 years of service at Akron General Medical Center where she served as the nursing director of the cardiac surgery unit and progressive intensive care unit.
She was the interim manager of the medical and surgical intensive care unit. Lightfoot received a bachelor's degree from the University of Akron and a master's degree from Cleveland State University.
"Things are done the right way here," Lightfoot said. "It is a great place to learn and grow in this role and really have your hands in what's going on. It's getting back to having that spark in the morning that makes you want to get out of bed."
Business Editor and health reporter Naomi Snyder can be reached at (330) 287-1623 or e-mail nsnyder@the-daily-record.com.